My Views on Publishing Today

I was flattered when Paper.li reached out to me for a Q&A as part of their community interview series. They’ve titled the interview How to Get Published, and it covers a wide range of trends related to publishing, authorship, and technology.

Once I’m up, I’m online all day, except when I’m teaching class. Even then, I’m often in front of a computer and streaming online information. Because I have no obligations other than being a professor of e-media at the University of Cincinnati, I’m free to focus all my energy and attention on online media. It’s my work and my play.

About success in e-publishing

What determines success in e-publishing, aside from a quality book, is online reach to a target audience, and an ability to market and promote effectively. Once you make the e-book available, no one will know it exists unless you tell them.

About what sites writers need to be active on

I’m fond of saying none. That’s because if a writer hates using whatever I suggest is mandatory, then there’s little point in pursuing it. People can tell when you aren’t enjoying yourself, and it’s impossible to stick with something (for as long as you really need to) if you actively dislike it.

To see my answers on how to get published, whether it’s vital to blog, top sources to follow on Twitter, and what makes me joyous/despairing about publishing right now … click here!

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Jane Friedman

Jane Friedman (@JaneFriedman) has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in digital media strategy for authors and publishers. She is the co-founder and editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential newsletter on the publishing industry for authors.

In addition to being a columnist for Publishers Weekly, Jane is a professor with The Great Courses, which released her 24-lecture series, How to Publish Your Book. Her book for creative writers, The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press), received a starred review from Library Journal.

Jane speaks regularly at conferences and industry events such as BookExpo America, Digital Book World, and the AWP Conference, and has served on panels with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund. Find out more.

Love this. This hit exactly where I am right now. I am about to publish my first novel as a self published novel. I went with self publishing becouse I cam make my book exactly what I want it to be. Great tips and advice. I would love to see more on self promotion. BTW my novel is called The Vangeretta Curse ~Elementris~ It will be out in three weeks. Any advice for pre- launch must do’s?